DIY Fall Harvest Wreath with Tea Stained Flag {Picture Tutorial}

What better way to welcome Fall into our homes than with a handcrafted wreath?

Inspired by a variety of beautiful wreaths, I incorporated elements from a few to make one of my own ~

A swag of country dried broom corn, wheat, tree berries, bakuli pods and raffia are surrounded by a swirl of burlap ribbon and accented with hand-painted barn stars and hand-sewn buttons.

A tea-stained American flag with red stitching detail adds old world charm and the finishing touch!

Let’s get started!

Here is a list of materials you will need.  Most of them can be found at your local craft store ~

Natural grapevine wreath

A swag of assorted dried Fall items such as broom corn, bakuli pods, pip berries, wheat, etc.

American flag

6 Tea bags

Five-pointed paper mache barn star

Wooden appliqué barn stars

Non-toxic acrylic paints (I used shades of oxblood and metallic gold)

An eclectic mix of buttons

Burlap ribbon

Raffia/Indian corn husks

Jute twine

Bamboo skewer or popsicle stick

Needle and thread (to sew on buttons)

Sewing machine and red thread for flag (optional)

Hot glue gun and glue sticks to reattach flag (optional)

Paintbrush

Scissors

***

Preparation:

Sew border around flag with red thread (optional).

Steep 6 tea bags in a large bowl of water.  Soak flag for 20-30 minutes to get desired amount of staining.

Remove and arrange as pictured to dry.  This will give the flag a waved effect.

Paint stars and allow to dry.

Directions:

Using burlap ribbon, tie a loose knot around the bottom of the wreath.

Insert flag and swags into the knot and tighten.

Arrange remaining burlap ribbon in desired position.

Puncture the back of the paper mache barn star with a bamboo skewer or popsicle stick and insert into burlap ribbon.

Tuck applique stars under the twigs in different parts of the wreath.

Insert leftover dried pieces from the swags into the burlap ribbon.

Sew buttons onto the burlap ribbon.

 Hang & Enjoy!

♥